Contemplating the possible 'game-changer' of singularity

The term “game-changer” has been used and overused enough times that some probably would like to permanently consign it to the dustbin of corporate buzz-phrases.

In retrospect, the term selectively applies to some products and events, but those instances are the exception to the rule. However, a few decades from now, we could possibly see a game change of epic proportions at a far faster speed that could prove to truly warrant the term.

What I’m talking about is the coming of technological singularity. In broad terms, it’s the point in the future at which artificial intelligence surpasses that of humans on every measurable, objective level. The feeling of losing control or authority is rarely a pleasant one, and there are certainly plenty of plots of movies or television series that play on humans’ intrinsic distrust of machines or technology run amok. The “Terminator” series of films, as well as “2001: A Space Odyssey” both feature advanced artificial intelligence seizing control, at which point humans and all their frailties, irrationality and inefficiencies are deemed irrelevant or even antagonistic to the larger, greater mission deemed primary by the machines.

Futurists and technologists see singularity as the ushering in of a new Age of Aquarius where low-cost, ubiquitous technology in every aspect of our lives brings a higher standard of living to everyone around the world. Eradication of disease and malnutrition and a new era of leisure when machines have taken over most of the menial, repetitive and dangerous jobs will allow humans to follow “higher” pursuits such as art, education and self-improvement.

But some fear self-aware machines that function and self-determine independent of human programming will pursue a path of exponential growth and self-improvement, resulting in a positive feedback scenario in which the collective power, intelligence and speed of these artificial creations will become so powerful, they will subjugate human society for what they consider the greater good.

Prominent futurist Ray Kurzweil, who has written several books on the concept of singularity, puts the date at around 2045. Although Kurzweil is a known eccentric with some unconventional beliefs, he correctly predicted within a few years of their occurrence such milestones as a computer beating the world’s best chess player and that most books would be read on a screen rather than paper. On the latter point, we may not yet have reached that tipping point, but Amazon electronic book sales surpassed physical books in 2011.

Certainly, technology has improved most of our lives in many respects and continues to have a positive impact on the quality of life for millions around the world. But the pursuit of technology for technology’s sake without regard to the dignity of human life could have some devastating consequences for society.

I only hope that those in positions of influence and direction for the development of technology and artificial intelligence weigh the broader consequences of machines that only consider the cold, objective value of resources, rather than the inherent value of human life.

– Edward A. Sanchez is an automotive journalist living in Laguna Hills. He grew up in Northern California’s Silicon Valley. He has lived in Southern California for the past 14 years and in Orange County for the past nine.